The best camping near Palmetto State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Palmetto State Park adventure.

93% (10 reviews)

Escape to the tropics in Texas and enjoy lush greenery, a lake, and the San Marcos River.

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Community favorites near Palmetto State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Palmetto State Park

93%

(10)

Palmetto Campground

38 sites · RVs, Tents In Palmetto State Park

from

$12

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Palmetto State Park

99%

(492)

The Best Dam Spot

7 sites · Tents3 acres · Staples, TX

4 dispersed campsites are located on a large gravel bar facing a beautiful private waterfall. Camping is walk-in from the parking lot. No overlanding rigs, RV or car camping allowed at campsites. Camping spot includes: unlimited river access, use of kayaks and paddle boards, a semi-private outdoor shower with hot and cold water, a rinse off shower and a clean outdoor port-a-potty that is regularly sanitized. No personal/composting toilets allowed. Please only use the restroom in the portalet provided. Small campfires are allowed (burn ban permitting). Campers are responsible for bringing their own firewood. *Climbing on the dam structure is strictly prohibited. *The cotton gin (big metal building) is private, for reserved parties only. **No tent air conditioners or electric heaters allowed** (small fans/ electric blankets are permitted) *Please arrive BEFORE dark to check-in. No check-ins after dark. *Children 5 and under are free! (please add children in this age group to your booking in our "Extras"). *Day passes are available for $25 per person/per day. Please add them to your reservation. **ALL campers staying on property MUST check-in upon arrival, sign Release of Liability Consent form and pick-up wristband. *To book the entire property, please reach out to me for info/pricing.

96%

(417)

River Forest Haven

46 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Del Valle, TX

River Forest Haven is a unique space that seeks to bring you closer to nature. We do not artificially light the camp and we strive to leave as much of the property in its natural state as we can. This provides a unique experience that is not your typical campground as we keep all of our campsites tucked under lush natural canopies. Car and tent camping works great! For most sites, you can easily drive up to your spot. Arrive, take a look around and settle into your site. We are always happy to deliver any of our items from our general store- just message us on HipCamp and we will come by. With nearly half a mile of Colorado riverfront to swim, fish, toob, paddle-board, kayak, and canoe*, along with 30 acres to hike and explore, River Forest Haven is also a quick 20-minute drive from downtown Austin.THINGS OF NOTE: ⁃ cell phone service is mostly non-existent ⁃ firewood can be brought or bought, but not collected.

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Secluded Guadalupe River Spot

4 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Gonzales, TX

These are unique camping spots along the Guadalupe River. I didn’t exactly understand how unique until I started getting feedback from my campers. The surrounding scenery will lower your blood pressure and do wonders to let you reconnect with nature. Sit back and close your eyes late in the evening and listen to all the wildlife talking to each other. There is faint traffic noise from 90A about a 1/3 of a mile away but it calms down after 7 or so. Currently no amenities but I am in the plans for some portable bathrooms. Please be prepared to cover all your bathroom and cooking needs. I do have some good clean well water from a faucet on the way into the campgrounds. Campfires are permitted. There is a convenience store (Diamond A) with clean bathrooms and a great bbq just 5 miles to the west on 90A and a Walmart and HEB 10 miles to the east on 90A. No dogs over 20 pounds on sites 1 and 2 but sites 3 and 4 are great areas to bring your high-energy dogs. No matter the size or temperament of your pets you are always expected to have them under your control at ALL times. I have very small livestock on the area on occasion. I am almost always on the property and try to have my phone with me while campers are on site, just let me know what you need and I will do what I can to accommodate you.

99%

(34)

Wild and Boujee Ranch

14 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Smithville, TX

100 acres on the Colorado river! Great fishing, beautiful blue bonnets (during season) swimming, boating, walking trails, cows and donkeys to watch grazing, bird watching, and plenty more at this one of a kind ranch. Relax and enjoy unobstructed views of the stars. Kids are welcome to enjoy the great outdoors!

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(117)

OnlyVans and Smaller RV's

6 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Austin, TX

Learn more about this land: Stay the night in comfort and style in our newly remodeled vintage camper. Get caught up on laundry with access to onsite washer and dryer. Sit down for a meal at our picnic table while using FREE and unlimited wifi! This property is in driving distance from Austin's hotspots, while still maintaining privacy, country vibes, and quiet nights. Just 12 miles from our location is McKinney Falls State Park. The main draws are the two waterfalls, both the result of Onion Creek flowing over limestone ledges. Cool off with a swim in the swimming holes below or fish from the shores. In between the falls, large boulders are perfect for bouldering. Elsewhere at McKinney, nearly nine miles of hiking trails and biking trails wind their way through Hill Country woods, past an ancient rock shelter and Old Baldy, one of the oldest cypress trees in Texas. RV's less than 30' are allowed but absolutely must purchase the 20.00 per night electric hook up "Extra". Pets allowed. Please make sure to pick up after them and keep them on a leash.

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(175)

Colorado RiverBend Retreat #CRBR

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Smithville, TX

This 12.4 acres of wildlife on the Colorado River is full of so much natural beauty! We're Located In Smithville Tx Home Of Hope Floats! 5 mins from downtown! Plenty of stores if needed! Roundtop And Lagrange Tx home of the antique shows (15-25 mins) Sherwood Forest Fair (25mins) Beautiful Historic Bastrop (12mins) 🚨PSA Please Be Advised🚨 This Is The Country Where Folks Do Hunt And Shoot!! Although Your Completely Safe, You MAY Or May NOT Hear Gun Shots!! If You Have A FurBaby That Is Panicked And Stressed From Fireworks Popping And/Or Gunfire ( AS I DO ) It May Be Best 2 Leave Them Home,, To Prevent Any Uncomfortable Anxieties That May Occur IF there happens to be gun shots. PLEASE NOTE (TP) CAN BE PURCHASED BUT IS NO LONGER PROVIDED AS WELL AS TOWEL BUNDLES. PLEASE BE MINDFUL THE PRIVATE DOCK IS THE RIVERRAT SHACK BNB GUESTS' RIVER ACCESS!! Please be respectful and courteous to All Guests and their campsite's and individual spaces!! 🙏 Be Advised We Have Free Grazing Cattle So You Will See Them Passing Through The Camp!! They're NOSEY But Friendly! A Gentle Shew And They'll Be Out Of Your Way!!! 📢 PSA 📢 Reading The Shower Instructions Is Best Done B4 Entering The Shower!! Always turn the hot on 1st and do not add any cold until it's All The Way HOT 🥵 📣Attention Campervan's 📣 A Campervan is a type of RV And RVs Are Only Allowed @ Campsite 3 As To Not Block The River Views From Other Camper's. If You Have A Campervan And Want To Be @ A Bank Site.... You'll Need To Get Permissions From The Host 1st, B4 Booking!! 🙏 This Can Be Accommodated But Will Have To Be Ironed Out Ahead Of Time!

98%

(263)

Twisted Oaks

31 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · San Marcos, TX

. Twisted Oaks is located on 20 acres of tree lined Texas Hill Country nestled in the heart of San Marcos. I've been here over 35 years. I work on my property and from my property. My shop is away from campsites but is ON the property. If seeing a tractor while you are hiking around offends you somehow this may not be a good choice. I have taken a lot of care and pride in my work on twisted oaks. We have 10-15 campsites all named after the colors in a rainbow. We offer rentals of kayaks, coleman camp stoves, triple burner propane very large, mr buddy propane heaters jackery 1000 watt and bluetti 600 watt solar generators or a tent if this your first time. payment for extras can be cash or Venmo. If you have any special needs please feel free to contact me. thanks and hope to see you soon. to reduce impact on our property we limit the vehicles to 1 per site any extra vehicle is $5 smalls $7 trucks. This fee is used to do mulching and road repairs to keep things smooth. If you decide to change dates there will be a $25- $50 fee based on your total booking We sell seasoned oak and juniper hardwood. We are a small microbusiness and would really appreciate if you purchase wood here rather than at a large box store. It is your choice but just so you know you will get twice the wood for maybe half the price. We sell a large wheelbarrow load for $20 or half load for $10. Kindling is gratis. Please check the weather forecast before booking. Texas weather can change on a dime. Also if it is raining in Austin or San Antonio it may be bone dry here. We can not be responsible for the weather or your selection of gear. I prefer winter camping with a nice fire and a cup of coffee. We have invested in clothing and gear to withstand below freezing temps. When campers book we go through a routine to make sure all sites are ready for YOU. There are times were we have had to change or modify our plans to accommodate our "guests" . Changing dates will incur a small fee. Please be fair. Our cancellation policy is strict and it it set as such to protect campers and host alike. We set a high standard for our camp but this is to ensure that all campers will have a great experience. Pay attention to the rules. Using common sense is what we ask. Treat our property as you would have us treat your place...it's really that simple. Hope this does not scare you away. Read the reviews and you will see the common thread is that we are nice helpful folks. See you soon!

96%

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CampEZ in SxSAustinTX

69 sites · Tents2 acres · Austin, TX

Once owned by locally famous (at the time) D.G. Burrow who was a performing Country and Western musician here in Austin TX. Our 'campground/farmette' is about 2 acres (inside the city limits!), on a creek, kind of woodsy, and next to a pretty vast parkland greenbelt. Recent flooding made quite a mess but it's still pleasant here. Several friendly and permanent residents and farm animals. Creek-side private campground hideaway available. This is a CAMPGROUND: NO RV, ROOM, BED, INVOLVED - BRING A TENT AND GEAR FOR COMFORT (check my other listings for an RV stay). This a "want to camp" campground. If you "need to camp" due to financial or other reasons, Camp EZ will likely not be a good fit for you. Not suitable for very young children . Please include your child in your count. Campfires in designated area only with permission (burn ban sometimes). Bring firewood. Community vibe 'round here; everyone is expected to be respectful of one another and clean up after themselves "leave no trace" style. One week maximum stay. Bring a tent and gear needed to be comfortable. 2 private hot outdoor showers, rustic kitchen and 2 charming compost priveys included. Wood fired sauna available. Visitors are expected to clean up after themselves especially in the kitchen, showers, restroom and, of course, your campsite. Trash and recycle containers are around or, better yet, pack it out! Campfires in designated area only with permission (burn ban sometimes). Bring firewood. We are a 2 acre community on a secret and secluded little street 5 miles due South of the capitol of TX and even closer (2.5) to the very hip SoCo area (Continental Club, Jo's Coffee, Guero's Taco Bar, El Mercado and lots more). I have 3 cats, 11 chickens, 2 little donkeys and 6 sweet mini goats here at my little and funky 'farmette' right on Williamson Creek (sometimes flowing and not really swimmable) and next to a huge wooded greenbelt with a quiet and unused nature trail. This is not a KOA or a state park. This is a home campground. It's kind of rustic and we like it that way. You may see a roach, ant or cricket and you may also see a deer, fox or coyote. We are busy and not always able to visit for long. Lots of remodeling and flood related cleanup chaos here but also lots of pretty and secluded nature. Short walk to bus stop and historic Sagebrush HonkyTonk and Austin Bergstrom Airport is 9 easy highway miles away. Rustic outdoor shower/kitchen/privy. BYOTent. No wild or excessive partying here please and please remember: no smoking :) WE NOW HAVE A COVERED PING-PONG PLAYING AREA AND BADMINTON TOO! Other details to note: Street parking. Camping is a very short walk from parking lot. We have carts to tote your gear if needed. Sorry, this campground is not set up to be able to park next to your site. We do not supply towels, toiletries, tents or bedding. Camp fire in designated fire pits only with approval. BYO Firewood. NO GENERATORS OR RECORDED MUSIC. Quiet time: 9PM-9AM. Please be mindful of your neighbors. -Jim O' (Did I mention rustic?)

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Happy Horse Camp & RV Getaway

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents22 acres · Cedar Creek, TX

GET AWAY without going FAR AWAY! Feels like the middle of nowhere, but it's only 25 miles to downtown Austin and 15 miles to the charming little town of Bastrop with its eateries, shops and historic buildings. Spend quiet nights in the country listening to the coyotes howl and the owls hoot. Hike the nearby Roughs (trailhead is 2 miles away) or book a river canoe or kayak trip with one of the local outfitters. Bring the family and have a weekend event under the trees and covered shade of our Pony Pavilion! Hollis and her wonderful voice, great stories and powerful ukuleles now offer LIVE MUSIC by your very own campfire, for your private enjoyment. (See the EXTRAS category to book a $20/45 minute/weather-permitting show, or a 1-hour Ukulele lesson, or just get with Hollis when you show up at camp) Enjoy the park trails, the Happy Horse on-site Scavenger Hunt, the delightful maze of campground trails (on your bikes!) and the peace and quiet! Happy Horse Hotel is on 22 acres conveniently located between Austin and Bastrop in the Pope Bend of the Colorado River. LCRA's fabulous McKinney Roughs Nature Park is 2 miles up the road, adjacent to the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort. The camp area is 9 secluded, fenced and wooded acres laced with all-dirt flat biking and walking trails on our property. We encourage you to bring your bicycles along. The bird watching is great!

97%

(76)

Longhorn Getaway Campgrounds

11 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Dripping Springs, TX

Come enjoy camping on the farm! Enjoy beautiful hill country views, 20 acres of walking trails, redneck golf course, 18-hole disc golf course, birdwatching, and more! We have 2 longhorns and a mini-donkey who roam the property and are friendly, but please don’t feed them. 7 available campsites with picnic tables and a fire rings, and plenty of trees to hang your hammock! Well water available from the hose next to the shower (solar), Bathroom facilities available, (composting toilet)

85%

(13)

Happy Hideaway - Near COTA

3 sites · Lodging5 acres · Del Valle, TX

This property is 5 acres, just 5 min from the Circut Of The Americas and 7 min from Austin International airport. It is a rural landscape that features a small pond that is generally full in the cooler parts of the year. This property was designed with many permaculture principles in mind to save water and preserve the natural landscape.

92%

(546)

Texas Music River Ranch

35 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents111 acres · Webberville, TX

The Texas Music River Ranch is 111 acres located in the quaint village of Webberville, Texas, only 20 miles east of downtown Austin. The large oak and pecan trees amid the rolling green hills of this gorgeous ranch land are nestled on the banks of the lazy Colorado River. Swim, kayak, or canoe...but there’s no better way to beat the legendary Texas heat than by grabbing an inner tube and enjoying a calm, steady float along a river known for an abundance of fossils and its wildlife. Bring your own tubes, kayaks and canoes, we are currently replenishing our inventory. Or perhaps you prefer to fish the shady tree-lined banks. Either way, you'll see a variety of birds while you relax on or beside the cool waters of the Colorado River. We're kid and dog friendly and we love musicians. Bring an instrument and join us for an impromptu jam session in our special events room or around the campfire. Cook dinner on our BBQ pit. Firewood is available onsite A few rules... 1. Check in is before sunset 2. No wondering by the upper level cabins (these are private property). Showers are behind these cabins. Please respect staff spaces. 3. If you have an extra vehicle, please park it with your other vehicle. 4. If you have a 3rd extra vehicle, let us know and we will direct you where to park it. 5. Please be courteous of other campers space and road access. 6. All kids are free. If your kids are 17 and under do not add them or it will charge. 7. If you have an impairment please let us know before booking so that we can ensure a space is ready and suitable for you. 8. If you have an RV please book through TMRR No Hookup, TMRR Electric only Hookup or TMRR Electric and Water Hookup. If you have any questions or concerns, contact our Office phone @ (737)318-8412 Office Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-9pm, Sunday 11am-6pm We look forward to making your acquaintance and sharing our little piece of Central Texas heaven with you, your family, and your friends.

The best camping near Palmetto State Park guide

Overview

About

You’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported to a tropical jungle at this small gem of a park in Central Texas, named for the dwarf palmetto trees found throughout. Several easy trails allow even families with kids to explore the swampy landscape with lush tropical plants, wildlife, and historic buildings constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The winding San Marcos River and the 4-acre Oxbow Lake offer options for water play, including swimming, tubing, paddling, boating, and fishing. The Palmetto Campground offers 37 sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and some sites with water and/or electric hookups, plus a cabin and group site.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Plan to make peak-season reservations as soon as possible, especially with so few sites available. The cabin and campsites can be reserved up to five months in advance while the group camp can be reserved up to 12 months in advance.
If you don’t have a reservation, arrive at the park first thing in the morning to grab unreserved sites that might be available for walk-ups.
If your plans are flexible, visit during the week or non-holiday periods.

When to go

Peak season is from March to November, when the park will be at its most crowded. Expect hot and humid weather in summer, when a dip in the river or lake will be the most refreshing. Visit in spring or fall to see migratory birds. Be sure to check the weather before confirming plans, as rain storms can cause the San Marcos River to flood.

Know before you go

The park rents kayaks, standup paddleboards, and bikes.
Several facilities are wheelchair-accessible, including the pavilion, cabin, and the group camping site.
Fishing licenses are not required if fishing from shore, but are required if fishing from a boat.
Bring binoculars for birdwatching. The park is part of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, with more than 240 species.
Closed toe shoes are a good idea, as snakes, including venomous rattlesnakes, can be found in the park.
Fires are permitted in fire rings only. Bring your own firewood or purchase from the camp store, as gathering firewood in the park is prohibited.
Pets are allowed in the park but not inside any buildings, including the camping cabin.